Romualdez v.

CSC

FACTS:

Conchita Romualdez-Yap (sister of former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos) started working in the
Philippine National Bank (PNB) on Sept. 20, 1972 as special assistant ranking Second Assistant Manager
assigned to the office of the PNB President. After several promotions, she was appointed Senior Vice
President (1983) and was assigned to the Fund Transfer Department. While she was on leave between
April 1986 and February 1987, E.O. 80 (Revised Charter of the PNB) was approved, allowing the
reorganization of PNB. The Fund Transfer Department was abolished and its functions were transferred
to the International Department. Conchita received a letter dated Jan. 30, 1987 on Feb. 16, 1987, saying
that she was separated from the service and entitled to the regular benefits.

CONTENTION OF THE STATE/RESPONDENT:

The new Senior Vice President of the International Department, Federico Pascual, had qualifications
which far exceeded those of the other candidates for the position.

CONTENTION OF THE ACCUSED/PETITIONER:

1. PNB did not follow the prescribed sequence of separation of employees from the service contained in
Rep. Act No. 6656 which is:
Sec. 3. In the separation of personnel pursuant to reorganization, the following order of removal
shall be followed:
(a) Casual employees with less than five (5) years of government service;
(b) Casual employees with five (5) years or more of government service;
(c) Employees holding temporary appointments; and
(d) Employees holding permanent appointments: Provided, That those in the same category as
enumerated above, who are least qualified in terms of performance and merit shall be laid off
first, length of service notwithstanding.

2. Petitioner was not extended preference in appointment to the positions in the new staffing pattern as
mandated by Sec. 4 of Rep. Act 6656, her qualification and fitness for new positions were never evaluated
or considered in violation of Sec. 27 of P.D. 807 which was incorporated as Sec. 29 Ch. 5 Subtitle A, Book
V of the Administrative Code of 1987.

ISSUE:

WON RA 6656 can be invoked by Conchita

RULING:

No, Conchita cant invoke RA 6656 because it took effect on June 15, 1987, after PNBs reorganization had
already been implemented. Even if RA 6656 was applicable, there was still someone more capable than
her for the job in the person of Federico Pascual because she only holds BS Commerce with one
Management and Leadership training program.